Multiple part functional gauge with shipping stand apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a multi-part functional gauge. A platform or single package, such as a shipping stand for shipping parts can incorporate the multi-part functional gauge. The shipping stand can also include mounts that are also a functional gauge for checking the specifications of the part. A method of manufacture which includes employing a shipping stand having multiple mounts for multiple parts, the multiple parts mounted to the shipping stand so that the first part needed in the manufacturing process can be removed from the shipping stand without having to remove the other parts attached to the shipping stand. A first part is mounted to a first set of attachment points and a second part is mounted or attached to a second set of attachment points. The first part corresponds to the first part needed in an assembly process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Present day manufacturing techniques include just in time manufacturing. Generally, a manufacturer of an article to be assembled will get bids from several parts manufacturers. The bid is taken for the least expensive price on a part. Small parts can be shipped in a bin that contains many parts. When the parts are large, each part may be placed on a single pallet and shipped to the factory where all the parts are assembled. Present day there is no control on the form, fit or function of the parts shipped in the shipping process. The receiving process requires a Quality Inspection driving additional costs associated with the inspection to the final product. If parts are somewhat smaller, several of the same parts may be placed on a pallet. These parts are ordered frequently to reduce the number of parts carried in inventory and the associated inventory carrying costs. When the number of parts in inventory reaches a minimum threshold, more parts are ordered. The idea is to have a minimum number of parts in inventory.

The emphasis in such a manufacturing environment is to get the parts as inexpensively as possible and to minimize carrying costs of inventory. Parts are ordered just in time to show up ready to be assembled on an assembly line. The general thinking is that this is the most efficient manufacturing method since the cost of the parts is minimized and the carrying cost of maintaining parts in inventory is also minimized. This approach to manufacturing seems to have universal acceptance and wide application, especially in many Fortune 500 companies.

However, the present approach is more costly when considering the cost associated with shipping the components to a manufacturing site which is the “point of assembly”. Many costs associated with the overall cost of manufacture are not considered. For many original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”), the total cost of the process should be looked at. It should be noted that narrow focus of the current approach has a very narrow view on costs and disregards the total cost of procurement and assembly. In the current approach, the cost of the parts and cost of carrying them in inventory is the primary or only focus. This narrow focus prevents a look at the total overall cost of procurement. This narrow focus has not allowed “out of the box” procurement thinking where the total cost at the point of use is considered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The total cost of the parts and how they are assembled is considered in manufacturing. The total cost of manufacturing, logistics, inspection, inventory and the total process is reviewed. Specifically, the manufacturing process at the manufacturer is studied and portions of the process are found that can be outsourced for a lesser overall cost than receiving the separate parts and assembling those parts in at the manufacturing site.

Generally, the portion of the process includes manufacturing and shipping a plurality of parts. The portion of the process may also include other processes that will result in less logistics at the point of assembly, such as the manufacturing site.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of the procurement practice, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a shipping stand without parts attached, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a multiple part ship functional gauge and shipping stand populated with a plurality of parts, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a populated shipping stand, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a populated shipping stand, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a populated shipping stand, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart used to build a shipping stand staged to a portion of a manufacturing assembly process, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a multi-part functional gauge, according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a procurement and shipping method, according to an example embodiment.

All Figures are illustrated for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention only. The extensions of the Figures with respect to number, position, relationship and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be explained or will be within the ordinary skill of the art after the following description has been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements for various applications will likewise be within the ordinary skill of the art after the following description has been read and understood.

Where used in various Figures of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “forward,” “rear,” “first,” “second,” “inside,” “outside,” “front,” “back,” and similar terms are used, the terms should be understood to reference only the structure shown in the drawings and utilized only to facilitate describing the illustrated embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures generally illustrate exemplary embodiments of the apparatus. The particularly illustrated embodiments of the apparatus have been chosen for ease of explanation and understanding. These illustrated embodiments are not meant to limit the scope of coverage but, instead, to assist in understanding the context of the language used in this specification and in the appended claims. Accordingly, the appended claims may encompass variations of the apparatus and methods that differ from the illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of the procurement practice 100, according to an example embodiment. The total cost of the parts and how they are assembled is considered in manufacturing. The total cost and the total process is reviewed 110. Specifically, the manufacturing process at the manufacturer is studied 112 and portions of the process are found that can be outsourced for a lesser overall cost than receiving the separate parts and assembling those parts in at the manufacturing site 114.

As an overview, generally, the portion of the process includes manufacturing and shipping a plurality of parts. The portion of the process may also include other processes that will result in less logistics at the point of assembly, such as the manufacturing site. The solution will include reduced freight costs. Multiple functional gauge aspect provides the elimination or a much speedier inspection of received goods by customer or manufacturer. In some instances, the solution will be shipped so that the assembly of the components is staged or sequenced to save additional costs. In some embodiments, the plurality of parts may be further processed to eliminate some of the logistics associated with manufacturing and assembly at the point of manufacture. For example, if during the manufacturing process several parts are sent out to be customized, this portion of the process may also be outsourced with the plurality of parts. In other words, in some instances, already customized parts can be shipped so that they are ready to be taken from a shipping container in the proper order that corresponds to the order of assembly. This eliminates logistics in several ways. Among the ways are that the parts are ready to be removed from the shipping container so that the first part off the shipping container is the first part to be needed in the assembly process. This eliminates having to unpack or remove all the parts from the shipping stand to get at the one part needed initially during the assembly process. The multiple part functional gauge attached to a shipping stand or a container does not have to be moved, and parts do not have to be removed until they are needed for assembly. This reduces logistics and saves time at the manufacturing site.

The apparatus and process will now be described more specifically in the following paragraphs which describe the FIGs. in more detail. The process culminates in selecting multiple parts which can be shipped on a multiple part functional gauge specialized pallet or shipping stand. The following FIGs. relate to a specific example for manufacture and assembly of a cement mixer. It should be understood that this is merely one example of parts that are identified as several parts associated with a portion of an overall manufacturing assembly process which can be made and placed on a shipping stand in a staged fashion to ease assembly, reduce freight costs, and reduce logistics at the manufacturing site or factory. This process and the ideas and apparatus that are used to implement this process is equally applicable to other portions of manufacturing and assembly processes with different parts.

A functional gauge is the envelope for worst-case part fit. A part which fits on such a functional gauge s guaranteed to fit to all mating parts. In this application, there are a plurality of functional gauges located in one area or on one other part. One physical part could. serve as a plurality of functional gauges. When a plurality of functional gauges are present then at the location or on a part, then the part is said to be a multiple part functional gauge. In other words, a multiple part functional gauge acts to fit at least two parts and guarantee that the at least two parts fit all mating parts that mate with the at least two mating parts. The multiple part functional gauge can also be referred to as a multipart functional gauge. In this application, the multiple part functional gauge is associated with a shipping stand. It should be noted that the shipping stand can be any size. Furthermore, a multiple part functional gauge also need not be a shipping stand but can be for any assemblage. A multiple part functional gauge could be provided in an unassembled box and included for assembling anything such as a child's toy ora grill for the home. The use of the multiple part functional gauge in this application as part of a shipping stand is one example apparatus and this could be used in other applications.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the multiple part functional gauge or multi-part function gauge (MPFG) shipping stand 200 without parts attached, according to an example embodiment. The MPFG shipping stand is formed with a rugged base 210. The base 210 generally includes a floor 212. Attached to the floor 212 and to the base 210 are at least a first mounting bracket 220, and a second mounting bracket 230. In this particular example embodiment, there is also a third mounting bracket 240. The first mounting bracket 220 includes mounts 222, 224 that are easily removable. For example, the mount may include openings that receive a bolt that is placed through an opening on a manufactured part and through the opening in the first mounting bracket. The first mounting bracket is dimensioned so that it also acts as a functional gauge. In other words, the first mounting bracket 220 is sized so that it is essentially a go/no-go gauge. In other words, a specific part 320 (shown in FIG. 3) will be attached to the first bracket 220 on each of the shipping stands 200. If the part 320 fits and can be mounted to the first bracket 220, the part 320 will be within tolerances. It will be fittable or matable to all the other portions of the assemblage. The first bracket 220 of the shipping stand 200 will act as a functional gauge and serve as a final check to make sure the part 320 has been manufactured to the specifications. The first mounting bracket 220, in one example embodiment, will replicate the portion of the assembled and manufactured item which the part 320 mounts to in the assembled or manufactured product. Advantageously, even if the part 320 moves with respect to the first mount 220, possibly resulting in a scratch or wear point, it will be hidden as finally assembled.

The second mounting bracket 230 receives a second part 330. Again, the second mounting bracket 230 includes mount points 232, 234, 236, 238 that replicate the portion of the assembled and manufactured item which the part 330 mounts to in the assembled or manufactured product. The second mounting bracket 230 also is sized to serve as a functional gauge sot that it the part 330 fits to the second mounting bracket 230, the part 330 is within specifications. This generally will serve as a final check on the part. Some manufacturing processes will have other checks to make sure the part 330 meets the specification. Some manufacturing processes could have mounting to the second mount 230 of the shipping stand 200 as the only check for tolerances for the part.

The third mounting bracket 240 receives a third part 340. The third mounting bracket 240 includes at least mount points 242, 244, 246, 248, that replicate the portion of the assembled and manufactured item which the part 340 mounts to in the assembled or manufactured product. The third mounting bracket 240 also is sized to serve as a functional gauge sot that it the part 340 fits to the second mounting bracket 240, the part 340 is within specifications. This generally will serve as a final check on the part 340. Some manufacturing processes will have other checks to make sure the part 340 meets the specification. Some manufacturing processes could have mounting to the second mount 230 of the shipping stand 200 as the only check for tolerances for the part.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a MPFG shipping stand 200 populated with a plurality of parts, according to an example embodiment. The MPFG shipping stand 200 includes the first mounting bracket 220, the second mounting bracket 230, and the third mounting bracket 240, The first part 320 is attached to the first mounting bracket 220, the second part 330 is attached to the second mounting bracket 230, and the third part 340 is attached to the third mounting bracket 240. The parts are mounted so they are properly staged for the manufacturing process. In other words, the third part 340 is the last part mounted to the shipping stand 200. The third part 340 is the one used earliest in the manufacturing process. Similarly, the second part 330 is the part that can be removed from the shipping stand 200. This second part 330 is the second of the three parts used in the manufacturing process. Finally, the first part 320 is removed from the first mounting bracket last and is the last of the plurality of parts to be needed in the manufacturing process. The parts are staged so that one part does not have to be removed to get to a part currently needed. The currently needed part will be the next to logically come off. In other words, the parts 320, 330, 340 are staged to the assembly sequence. This is not only convenient but saves valuable time during the assembly process.

Additionally, the parts 320, 330, and 340 are attached to the first mounting bracket 220, the second mounting bracket 230, and the third mounting bracket 240, respectively, so that the parts 320, 330, and 340 can be removed easily. In at least one embodiment, the parts 320, 330, and 340 can be removed without the use of tools. This saves additional time during the manufacturing sequence.

In some instances, the procurement process may include customizing certain parts for a particular subset of customers. FIG. 4 is a top view of a populated shipping stand, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front view of a populated shipping stand, according to an example embodiment, and FIG.6 is a side view of a populated shipping stand, according to an example embodiment. In the particular example embodiment discussed herein, the first part 220 is a chute with an extension for a cement mixer truck, the second part 230 is a discharge chute for a cement mixer truck, and the third part 240 is a charge chute for a cement mixer truck. Parts 220, 230, and 240 may be customized during the procurement process so that these parts don't have to be customized during the assembly process. In this case, different customers can be allowed to have different color schemes on the end product, namely a cement mixer truck. During procurement, in one embodiment, these parts, 320, 330, 340 can be painted different colors. For example, white can be a default color. Any other color can be designated for the parts 320, 330, 340. The parts can be painted black, red, blue or any other colors. Different vendors may have different means for producing “painted” surfaces. For example, an outside vendor can powder coat these parts to order so that these parts can literally be pulled off the MPFG shipping stand 200 and placed on the partially assembled product. This too saves the manufacturer time and money as they are able to skip the step of sending out the parts on the shipping stand 200 to be painted. Saving time and money reduces the cost of manufacture.

As shown the MPFG shipping stand 200 includes mounting brackets 220, 230 and 240 that hold very specific parts 320, 330, 340. The MPFG shipping stand 200 and mounting brackets are customized for each type of procurement. In one embodiment, the MPFG shipping stand 200, as set up for a specific procurement and, once the parts on the s MPFG shipping stand are used, the MPFG shipping stand is returned to the outside vendor empty. The outside vendor can then repopulate the shipping stand 200 with a new set of parts 320, 330, 340 and return the populated shipping stand 200 to the manufacturer where the staged parts can be pulled off in order during the assembly process. The MPFG with shipping stand 200 can be marketed many ways, including but not limited to being sold, leased or rented or any option to incentivize the manufacturer to return the shipping stand 200. Advantageously, the use of the MPFG shipping stand also reduces dunnage. There are minimal portions of the MPFG shipping stand that have to be thrown away as compared to a regular pallet or other shipping container. In this case there are no dunnage to be dealt with and no hand tools, banding or strapping required to ship, unpackage or the like, which adds cost in materials, and time to attach. In addition, no tools are required to package parts, or unpackage parts. There is no need to dispose of waste such as plastic wrap, wood, binding or strapping, or other materials from one time use shipping containers.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method 700 for building a shipping stand staged to a portion of a manufacturing assembly process, according to an example embodiment. The method 700 includes determining a grouping of parts associated with a portion of a manufacturing practice 710, determining the order in which the parts will be used during manufacturing assembly 712, and designing mounts for a shipping stand that replicate the mounting method in the manufactured product 714, and measuring the mounts so that the mounts server as a multiple part functional gauge 716 so that if the part fits the mount, then the part is within specification and will fit the product as it it being assembled. In some embodiments, several mounts can be provided on a shipping stand. In still a further embodiment, several mounts are placed on the stand so that the parts attached to the plurality of mounts can be removed in the order they are needed for assembly and manufacture. The mounting method of the parts to the shipping stand, in some embodiments, allows the parts to be removed without tools.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a multi-part functional gauge 800, according to another example embodiment. The multi-part functional gauge 800 includes at least a first functional gauge 820 and a second functional gauge 830. In the particular embodiment shown, the multi-part functional gauge also includes a third functional gauge 840. Each of the functional gauges 820, 830 and 840 includes least a first bracket 821, and a second bracket 831, and a third bracket 841. Each bracket includes checkpoints. In this particular multi-part functional gauge 800, the checkpoints correspond to mounting or attachment points that the multiple parts must fit to in order to be within specifications. Other types of checkpoints could also be employed in the multi-part functional gauge 800. As shown in FIG. 8, the first bracket 821 includes checkpoints 822, 844, the second bracket 831 includes checkpoints 832, 834, 836, 838, and the third bracket 831 includes checkpoints 842, 844, 846, 848.

In still another embodiment, the shipping stand can be provided with a single mount for a single part. The mounting on the shipping stand is designed to replicate and use the mounting method for attaching the part during the manufacturing and assembly process. The mount is also dimensioned so that it serves as a functional guide. In this way, if the part can be attached to the mount, the part is within specifications and, more importantly, will fit to the article of manufacture during assembly.

A multi-part functional gauge apparatus includes a platform, at least one structure attached to the platform, the at least one structure further including a first set of attachment points adapted to receive a first part if the first part is within specifications, and a second set of attachment points adapted to receive a second part if the second part is within specifications. In one embodiment, the platform is made of a substantially stable material. The platform, in one embodiment, is a shipping stand. In some embodiments, the multi-part functional gauge apparatus also includes a second structure attached to the platform. The second structure further includes a set of attachment points adapted to receive a third part. The third part is within specifications if it can be attached to the second structure. In some embodiments, the second part cannot be removed until the first part is removed. The first part is needed in an assembly that includes the first part and the second part.

A shipping stand apparatus includes at least one structure attached to the shipping stand. The at least one structure further includes a first set of attachment points adapted to receive a first part if the first part is within specifications, and a second set of attachment points adapted to receive a second part if the second part is within specifications. The first set of attachment points is a functional gauge whereby attaching the first part to the first set of attachment points indicates that the first part will fit in an assemblage. Similarly, the second set of attachment points is a functional gauge whereby attaching the second part to the second set of attachment points indicates that the second part will fit in an assemblage. In one embodiment, the second part cannot be removed before the first part is removed. In another embodiment, the first part and the second part are needed to form an assembly, the first part needed first in the process of assembling the assembly before the second part. This, in some instances, is referred to staging the parts for assembly. A single shipping container can be used to carry two parts and the parts are staged so that the first part to come off the shipping container is the first part needed during the assembly process of an assemblage at a manufacturing plant. In the example shown, the shipping container includes a shipping pallet. The pallet carries three relatively large parts, such as for assembling the discharge portion of a cement truck. The assemblage is a cement truck. When large parts are needed, there are several advantages in terms of shipping and procurement. Three parts on a pallet can be shipped at once. This allows more parts to be placed on a truck for sending to the manufacturing site. Furthermore, the pallet has less space requirements when at the manufacturing site. One pallet has half the footprint as two pallets carrying separate parts. An additional advantage with any size shipping container is that the parts can be attached to the first set of attachment points and the second set of attachment points and painted on the pallet. The only unpainted portions will be the same as in the manufactured assemblage. This eliminates having to assemble the entire assemblage at the manufacturing plant and then having to send the assemblage out for painting as a last step. Manufacturing costs are reduced as a result of less shipping costs, less floor space needed at the manufacturing site, less moving of parts at the manufacturing site and elimination of a final step, such as painting. A procurement and shipping method includes studying an order of assembly for an assemblage, and determining a first part and a second part that could be manufactured and shipped together at less cost than if manufactured separately and shipped separately. The procurement department can then bundle these two parts in letting the bid. The procurement department can also specify that the two parts be added to a single shipping container to save on shipping cost and to ease the logistics needed at the factory during manufacture of the assemblage. The manufacturer can also specify that a specialized pallet be formed and also specify the order in which the parts have to come off or be removed from the shipping container. All these help reduce the cost of manufacturing as logistics are reduced at the manufacturing plant and shipping costs are reduced, among other cost reducing items. The procurement and shipping method includes receiving a first part and a second part in a single package proximate the place where the assemblage will be assembled. Receiving the first part and the second part on the single package, in some embodiments, includes placing the first part and the second part on the package so that the first part needed during assembly of the assemblage is the first part that can be removed from the single package. The first part and the second part are mounted onto the single package. The first part is mounted to a first set of attachment points associated with the single package, and the second part is mounted to a second set of attachment points associated with the single package. In one embodiment, the first set of attachment points is a first functional gauge for the first part, and the second set of attachment points is a second functional gauge for the second part. Attaching the first part to the first functional gauge assures that the first part is within the specified tolerance for the first part. Attaching the second part to the second functional gauge assures that the second part is within the specified tolerance for the second part. In one embodiment, at least one structure on the single package that includes the first set of attachment points and the second set of attachment points. The single package can be any size package and in one embodiment is a shipping stand. The shipping stand is formed on a pallet, in one embodiment. The single package is a reused or returned to the manufacturing site so that it can be used for shipping other sets of parts to the manufacturing site. The single package is made of relatively durable material in this type of method. The method not only reduces cost of potential of stocking errors and reduces costs as it minimizes the potential of redundant inventory. The method also simplifies procurement and to reduces procurement costs.

Another method of manufacture includes employing a multi-part functional gauge (MPFG) mounted on a shipping stand having multiple mounts for multiple parts. The multiple parts mounted to the shipping stand so that the first part needed in the manufacturing process can be removed from the shipping stand without having to remove the other parts attached to the shipping stand.

The above methods and apparatus have many advantages, including a reduction if freight costs. This is especially true when several parts are placed on a single shipping station. In the above example, thirteen shipping stations can be placed on a shipping station designed to carry the three parts. When regular pallets were used, two semi-tractor trailer trucks were needed. In addition, the shipping stations are recycled and so there is no dunnage from the regular pallet method of shipping. There are also considerable savings realized during the manufacture of the article from using these shipping stands. These savings occur in lessening the logistics at the point of assembly. These include staging the parts on the shipping stand to the assembly sequence. The stand is a functional gauge so the parts, if mounted to the shipping stand will mount to the appropriate mounts on the product being assembled. The parts are assured to be within blueprint specifications when mounted to the multiple part functional gauge ship stand mount points. This eliminates or reduces the amount of inspection of the parts at the manufacturing site. If the parts are attached to the shipping stand are staged to the assembly process, logistics at the assembly point are reduced. Receiving inspection is lessened or eliminated to the aspect of form, fit and function (ie. blueprint tolerances). With less logistical steps the costs related thereto are also reduced. Additional logistics can be saved by outsourcing certain steps to the outside vendor. One example is delivering the parts painted to a custom color. This cuts out having to gather parts and sending them to a paint shop or other outside vendor for painting. Painting is just one type of customization that can be outsourced. The parts can be attached to the MPFG shipping stand so that they can be removed without tools. This also prevents or reduces the need for wrenches or other tools needed to remove the parts and the associated time needed to get the tool to take off the part. Still another advantage is a reduction in inventory carrying costs. If the parts show don't have to be specially treated or moved on a minimal basis, manufacturing is streamlined and the parts can be ordered at a time closer to when needed for manufacture. Still a further advantage is to simplify procurement and to reduce costs related to procurement. Yet another advantage is to reduce cost of potential of stocking errors and potential of redundant inventory.

In summary, a multi-part functional gauge apparatus includes a platform or single package, at least one structure attached to the platform or single package, the at least one structure further including a first set of attachment points adapted to receive a first part if the first part is within specifications, and a second set of attachment points adapted to receive a second part if the second part is within specifications. In one embodiment, the platform is made of a substantially stable material. The platform, in one embodiment, is a shipping stand. In some embodiments, the multi-part functional gauge apparatus also includes a second structure attached to the platform. The second structure further includes a set of attachment points adapted to receive a third part. The third part is within specifications if it can be attached to the second structure. In some embodiments, the second part cannot be removed until the first part is removed. The first part is needed in an assembly that includes the first part and the second part.

A shipping stand apparatus includes at least one structure attached to the shipping stand. The at least one structure further includes a first set of attachment points adapted to receive a first part if the first part is within specifications, and a second set of attachment points adapted to receive a second part if the second part is within specifications. The first set of attachment points is a functional gauge whereby attaching the first part to the first set of attachment points indicates that the first part will fit in an assemblage. Similarly, the second set of attachment points is a functional gauge whereby attaching the second part to the second set of attachment points indicates that the second part will fit in an assemblage. . In the embodiments shown, a portion of a cement truck is the assemblage. An assemblage is anything that will be assembled at a manufacturing site or place where a product will be built. The assemblage can be of any size.

In one embodiment, the second part cannot be removed before the first part is removed. In another embodiment, the first part and the second part are needed to form an assembly, the first part needed first in the process of assembling the assembly before the second part. This, in some instances, is referred to staging the parts for assembly. A single shipping container can be used to carry at least two parts and the at least two parts are staged so that the first part to come off the shipping container is the first part needed during the assembly process of an assemblage at a manufacturing plant. In the example shown, the shipping container includes a shipping pallet. The pallet carries three relatively large parts, such as for assembling the discharge portion of a cement truck, as shown in FIGS. 2-8 which are similarly staged. The assemblage is a cement truck. When large parts are needed, there are several advantages in terms of shipping and procurement. The three parts on a pallet can be shipped at once. This allows more parts to be placed on a truck for sending to the manufacturing site. Furthermore, the pallet has less space requirements when at the manufacturing site. One pallet has half the footprint as two pallets carrying separate parts. An additional advantage with any size shipping container is that the parts can be attached to the first set of attachment points and the second set of attachment points and painted on the pallet. The only unpainted portions will be the same as in the manufactured assemblage. This eliminates having to assemble the entire assemblage at the manufacturing plant and then having to send the assemblage out for painting as a last step. Manufacturing costs are reduced as a result of less shipping costs, less floor space needed at the manufacturing site, less moving of parts at the manufacturing site and elimination of a final step, such as painting.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a procurement and shipping method 900, according to an example embodiment. The procurement and shipping method 900 includes studying an order of assembly for an assemblage, and determining a first part and a second part that could be manufactured and shipped together at less cost than if manufactured separately and shipped separately 910. The procurement department can then bundle these two parts in letting the bid 912. The procurement department can also specify that the two parts be added to a single shipping container 914 to save on shipping cost and to ease the logistics needed at the factory during manufacture of the assemblage. The manufacturer can also specify that a specialized pallet be formed and also specify the order in which the parts have to come off or be removed from the shipping container 916. All these help reduce the cost of manufacturing as logistics are reduced at the manufacturing plant and shipping costs are reduced, among other cost reducing items. The procurement and shipping method includes receiving a first part and a second part in a single package proximate the place where the assemblage will be assembled 918. Receiving the first part and the second part on the single package, in some embodiments, includes placing the first part and the second part on the package so that the first part needed during assembly of the assemblage is the first part that can be removed from the single package. The first part and the second part are mounted onto the single package. The first part is mounted to a first set of attachment points associated with the single package, and the second part is mounted to a second set of attachment points associated with the single package. In one embodiment, the first set of attachment points is a first functional gauge for the first part, and the second set of attachment points is a second functional gauge for the second part. Attaching the first part to the first functional gauge assures that the first part is within the specified tolerance for the first part. Attaching the second part to the second functional gauge assures that the second part is within the specified tolerance for the second part. In one embodiment, at least one structure on the single package that includes the first set of attachment points and the second set of attachment points.

In other embodiments, the parts attached to a multi part shipping container can be pulled off in any order. The shipping container or shipping stand can hold more or less parts.

For example, a shipping stand can include or incorporate a purchased item such as a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the MPFG ship stand. This could be part of a marketing effort such as a “Rebuild Packaging Offer”. In this example, several parts, when purchased together as a package can be used to rebuild part of a product. In this case of a mixer truck main chute assembly and both hoppers and the lift cylinder are packaged together and offered and marketed as a Rebuild Package.

MPFG can be used in many opportunities to marketing cost savings, enhance product sales after the initial product build, not just for the OEM initial procurement needs.

The single package can be any size package and in one embodiment is a shipping stand. The shipping stand is formed on a pallet, in one embodiment. The single package is a reused or returned to the manufacturing site so that it can be used for shipping other sets of parts to the manufacturing site 920. The single package is made of relatively durable material in this type of method. The above method and apparatus is not limited to shipping stands which carry large parts. The above method and apparatus can be used for any number of parts, and the size of the parts can be large or small.

The above advantages are just a few of the advantages that such an apparatus and method afford the manufacturer. It should be noted, that not all manufacturing processes will have all of the above advantages since manufacturing processes vary with the product. Also worthy of note is that some manufacturing processes may include more advantages than those listed above. The above advantages are merely a few of the potential advantages that can be achieved by using the above methods and apparatus.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments. Upon review of the specification, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying figures and claims, that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions as defined in the following claims. 

1. A multi-part functional gauge apparatus comprising: a platform; at least one structure attached to the platform, the at least one structure further comprising: a first set of attachment points adapted to receive a first part if the first part is within specifications; and a second set of attachment points adapted to receive a second part if the second part is within specifications.
 2. The multi-part functional gauge apparatus of claim 1 wherein the platform is made of a substantially stable material.
 3. The multi-part functional gauge apparatus of claim 1 wherein the platform is a shipping stand.
 4. The multi-part functional gauge apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a second structure attached to the platform.
 5. The multi-part functional gauge apparatus of claim 4 wherein the second structure further comprises a set of attachment points adapted to receive a third part if the third part is within specifications.
 6. The multi-part functional gauge of claim 1 wherein the second part cannot be removed until the first part is removed, the first part being needed in an assembly that includes the first part and the second part.
 7. A shipping stand apparatus comprising: at least one structure attached to the shipping stand, the at least one structure further comprising: a first set of attachment points adapted to receive a first part if the first part is within specifications; and a second set of attachment points adapted to receive a second part if the second part is within specifications.
 8. The shipping stand of claim 7 wherein the first set of attachment points is a functional gauge whereby attaching the first part to the first set of attachment points indicates that the first part will fit in an assemblage.
 9. The shipping stand of claim 7 wherein the second set of attachment points is a functional gauge whereby attaching the second part to the second set of attachment points indicates that the second part will fit in an assemblage.
 10. The shipping stand of claim 7 wherein the second part cannot be removed before the first part is removed.
 11. The shipping stand of claim 11 wherein the first part and the second part are needed to form an assembly, the first part needed first in the process of assembling the assembly before the second part.
 12. A procurement and shipping method comprising: studying an order of assembly for an assemblage; determining a first part and a second part that could be manufactured and shipped together at less cost than if manufactured separately and shipped separately; receiving a first part and a second part in a single package proximate the place where the assemblage will be assembled.
 13. The procurement and shipping method of claim 12 wherein receiving the first part and the second part on the single package includes placing the first part and the second part on the package so that the first part needed during assembly of the assemblage is the first part that can be removed from the single package.
 14. The procurement and shipping method of claim 12 wherein the first part and the second part are mounted onto the single package.
 15. The procurement and shipping method of claim 12 wherein the first part is mounted to a first set of attachment points associated with the single package, and the second part is mounted to a second set of attachment points associated with the single package.
 16. The procurement and shipping method of claim 15 wherein the first set of attachment points is a first functional gauge for the first part, and the second set of attachment points is a second functional gauge for the second part.
 17. The procurement and shipping method of claim 16 wherein attaching the first part to the first functional gauge assures that the first part is within the specified tolerance for the first part, and wherein attaching the second part to the second functional gauge assures that the second part is within the specified tolerance for the second part.
 18. The procurement and shipping method of claim 16 further comprising including at least one structure on the single package that includes the first set of attachment points and the second set of attachment points.
 19. The procurement and shipping method of claim 12 where the single package is a shipping stand.
 20. The procurement and shipping method of claim 12 where the single package is a reused. 